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FAA nixes Tinian runway expansion
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Posted on Mar 24 1999
The Federal Aviation Administration has rejected the proposal of the Tinian Delegation to use a $3.9 million local fund to extend the existing runway instead of developing a new one.
In throwing out the plan, FAA said extending the existing runway will encroach on Broadway Avenue and would not be able to meet the 1,000 ft safety area requirement, according to Carlos H. Salas, executive director of the Commonwealth Ports Authority.
FAA also cited the “line of sight” problem making it difficult for pilots to have a clear sight of the Tinian runway.
The Tinian Delegation earlier issued a resolution seeking an amendment to the FAA approved plan because the local leaders believe that by extending the existing runway, the airport would be able to immediately accommodate larger aircraft for passengers directly to and from various destinations.
Since the Tinian Delegation’s proposal is not included in the original master plan for Tinian airport, the ports authority will be required to make an expensive environmental impact study which would take a year.
Considering all these constraints, FAA advised the ports authority to stick to the original plan and reduce the runway to 7,600 ft. to cut down on the cost which would only accommodate a B727.
“Carrying out the original plan is more viable and an extension would be made if the traffic improves,” said Salas.
FAA had earlier approved a $3.8 million fund to implement the first phase of the expansion of the 8,600 ft. runway and taxiway. Due to the urgency of improving the existing runway, the Tinian Delegation had approved the transfer of some $3.8 million from the Covenant 702 Capital Improvement Project funds originally allotted for the Tinian Civic Center.
The Tinian Delegation had emphasized that development of Tinian Dynasty & Casino hinges on the capability of the existing West Tinian airport to accommodate bigger aircraft to bring in the needed number of visitors through direct flights to the island.
